Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, particularly affecting middle-aged and older women. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help manage Alzheimer’s through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to the loss of neurons and cognitive decline. Key points to know about Alzheimer’s include:

• Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, mood changes, and impaired judgment are common symptoms.
• Risk Factors: Age, genetics, lifestyle factors, and chronic diseases can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
• Progression: Alzheimer’s typically progresses over several years, gradually impairing cognitive and physical function.

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Maternal health is a crucial aspect of well-being for women who are planning to become pregnant, are currently pregnant, or have recently given birth. Maternal health concerns can significantly impact both the mother and the baby. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help address the top maternal health concerns through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Maternal Health Concerns

Maternal health concerns encompass a wide range of physical and emotional challenges that women may face before, during, and after pregnancy. Common concerns include:

• Prenatal nutrition
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Postpartum depression
• Breastfeeding challenges

Common Maternal Health Concerns

1. Prenatal Nutrition: Ensuring adequate nutrition is essential for the health of both the mother and the developing baby.
2. Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting blood sugar levels.
3. Preeclampsia: A...

Osteoporosis is a common condition among middle-aged women, characterized by weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures. As women age, hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen during menopause, can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help prevent and manage osteoporosis through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become brittle and fragile due to loss of bone density. It often progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs, commonly in the hip, spine, or wrist. Factors contributing to osteoporosis include:

• Hormonal changes
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Lack of physical activity
• Chronic inflammation

Common Causes of Osteoporosis

1. Hormonal Imbalances: Decreased levels of estrogen during menopause can accelerate bone loss.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin...

Cancer is a significant health concern for many middle-aged women. While genetics play a role, lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute to cancer risk. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can support cancer prevention and recovery through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Common types of cancer affecting women include:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Lung cancer

Common Risk Factors for Cancer

1. Genetics: A family history of cancer can increase the risk.
2. Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use can contribute to cancer development.
3. Environmental Exposures: Exposure to toxins, pollutants, and radiation can increase cancer risk.
4. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can influence cancer risk.
5. Chronic Inflammation:...

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. These conditions can be particularly challenging for middle-aged women, as they often involve chronic inflammation and a wide range of symptoms. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help manage autoimmune diseases through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases can affect various parts of the body, including joints, skin, and organs. Common autoimmune conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Psoriasis

Common Causes of Autoimmune Diseases

1. Genetic Predisposition: A family history of autoimmune diseases can increase the risk.
2. Environmental Triggers: Exposure to toxins, infections, and other environmental factors can trigger autoimmune responses.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause and...

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects many middle-aged women. It can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and various physical and emotional challenges. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help address depression through personalized strategies and by addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a complex condition that can impact various aspects of life, including:

• Mood and emotions
• Physical health
• Cognitive function
• Social interactions

Common Causes of Depression

1. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can contribute to depression.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can affect mood and brain function.
3. Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and affect mental health.
4. Gut Health: Poor gut health...

Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by many middle-aged women, particularly during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden feelings of warmth, sweating, and discomfort, hot flashes can significantly impact daily life and quality of sleep. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help manage hot flashes through personalized strategies and addressing underlying causes.

Understanding Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are sudden sensations of heat that typically affect the face, neck, and chest. They can vary in frequency and intensity and are often accompanied by sweating and sometimes chills. Hot flashes are primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen levels during menopause.

Common Triggers of Hot Flashes

1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause are the primary cause of hot flashes.
2. Lifestyle Factors: Stress, diet, and certain lifestyle habits can trigger or...

Weight loss is a common concern for many middle-aged women. With the natural changes that occur with aging, including hormonal shifts and a slower metabolism, losing weight can become more challenging. In this blog, we will explore how a functional medicine approach can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight through personalized strategies and addressing underlying issues.

The Challenge of Weight Loss for Middle-Aged Women

As women age, several factors can contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight:

• Hormonal Changes: Decreased levels of estrogen and other hormones can affect metabolism and fat distribution.
• Slower Metabolism: Metabolic rate naturally decreases with age, making it easier to gain weight.
• Muscle Loss: Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) can reduce the body's ability to burn calories.
• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, lack of sleep, and sedentary lifestyles can contribute to weight gain.

Functional Medicine Approach to Weight Loss

Functional medicine...

Data based on the National Health Interview Survey of the National Center for Health Statistics show that the common cold annually causes 35.6 acute illnesses per 100 people. Many viral infections we fight off everyday without evening knowing it! Very few viral infections cause a significant number of deaths, most commonly in people who have underlying health conditions or are immune-compromised.

There are a few steps you can take to ward off viruses starting today!

1. Manage your stress – Get 20-30 minutes of daily exercise.  Keep a gratitude journal.  Practice abdominal breathing.
2. Increase Your Vitamins – D3/K2, Zinc, Vitamin C, Probiotics and Elderberry should be taken prophylactically to help boost your immune system.
3. Improve Diet & Reduce Sugar – Eating clean by decreasing sugar, alcohol, gluten and dairy may be one of the easiest things to increase immunity.
4. Get a Chiropractic Adjustment – Your nervous system modulates...

Do you ever feel tired, run-down, or experience low energy and you’re not sure why?? Have you considered what you eat and drink on a daily basis? Because we are so busy, we don’t take the time to think about what goes into our bodies. I am guilty of all of the above. Since I work in the medical profession, I know what I should be doing to take care of my body, but as Salt N Pepa would say, “Girl’s what’s my weakness!! FOOD!” If you ask Dr. Jordan or Dr. Jade they will tell you that there might be some things I can change in my diet. My biggest weakness is drinking pop. I try to not drink it every day, but you can’t have pizza and water!! (I like to tell myself that so I don’t feel guilty.) However, if I’m going to start feeling better, I need to make some changes. Dr. Jade hosted a seminar called: To Detox or Not to Detox, so I decided to stay and learn a few new things, and boy did I ever. After the seminar, I decided...